Do you pay when picking up the car after purchase?
3 Answers
Car 4S shops require a deposit first, then vehicle inspection, and the remaining balance is settled after inspection. Check the manufacturing date: You can look at the nameplate in the engine compartment. The nameplate is stamped once and includes the car's serial number, engine displacement, model, brand, etc., as well as the important specific manufacturing date. If the manufacturing date is too far from the pick-up date, it is not recommended to take the car, as it may be a stock vehicle. Check the mileage on the odometer: Generally, a mileage of less than 30 km is reasonable. If it exceeds this number, the car may have been test-driven by too many people or used for other purposes before. Inspect the exterior: Focus on observing the gaps between the bumper and the body, the door gaps, and the gaps between the front and rear bumpers. Face the sunlight at an angle and observe from multiple angles to ensure the paint surface is free from damage or repair marks.
When I bought my new car, I did have to pay upon delivery, usually the remaining balance. At the time of signing the contract, you typically only pay a deposit or down payment, like 10,000 or 20,000 RMB, to confirm your intention. When the car arrives at the dealership and you’ve inspected it without any issues, you then pay the full amount or arrange financing. I remember choosing cash payment, and the sales consultant required immediate full payment before I could drive the car away—otherwise, it might delay the pickup. I recommend preparing your bank card or cash in advance to avoid last-minute panic. Also, don’t forget to double-check the details of the purchase contract to ensure all fees are clearly listed, preventing future disputes. For financing, the bank only releases the funds after approval, so at pickup, you might just sign a handover form instead of paying the full amount directly. In short, planning your finances and timing is crucial—don’t let yourself get stuck waiting unnecessarily and ruin the experience!
Having worked in the dealership for years, let me talk about payment arrangements. In most cases, payment is required upon vehicle pickup, depending on the purchase method. Cash buyers typically settle the remaining balance on the delivery day, usually after confirming the vehicle's condition is satisfactory. For financing customers, it's different—a down payment is often made at signing, with the remaining down payment either completed upon pickup or awaiting transfer from the financial institution. We proactively notify customers of the amount and timing to ensure they're financially prepared, minimizing delays. Cash payments allow immediate drive-away, while financed purchases require waiting for loan disbursement. Clear communication is key—discuss payment plans with your salesperson, bring all necessary documents, and the pickup process will go smoothly. Don’t forget the pre-delivery inspection—verify the car’s condition before finalizing payment to avoid future disputes.
